Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.

GENESIS 47:22KJV
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Genesis 47:22 (KJV)

What does Genesis 47:22 mean?

Genesis 47:22 explains that during the time when Joseph bought up most of the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, he did not buy the land belonging to the priests. The priests kept their land because Pharaoh had already given them a regular allowance of food, so they did not need to sell their property.

This verse is part of the story where Joseph, acting on Pharaoh’s behalf, acquires land from the Egyptian people during a severe famine. The priests are singled out as an exception because Pharaoh provided for them directly, giving them a special status and security that others did not have. This detail highlights the unique privileges of the priestly class in ancient Egypt.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 47:22

  • land (אֲדָמָה, ʾadamah): This word refers to the physical ground or territory. Its use here emphasizes that the priests’ actual property, not just their income, was protected.
  • priests (כֹּהֵן, kohen): This term identifies the religious officials of Egypt. Their mention underlines their distinct social and economic position.
  • portion (חֹק, choq): This word means an assigned share or allowance. The verse stresses that the priests’ needs were met by Pharaoh’s provision, so they did not have to sell their land.
  • Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה, Par‘oh): Naming Pharaoh as the giver of the portion shows his authority and the special relationship he maintained with the priests.

Why Genesis 47:22 matters

  • Genesis 47:22 clarifies that not everyone in Egypt lost their land to Pharaoh during the famine; the priests were an exception, which shows the social structure and priorities of the time.
  • The verse highlights the power and influence of the priestly class, who were supported directly by the king, setting them apart from ordinary Egyptians.
  • This detail helps explain later verses about land ownership in Egypt and gives insight into how religious and political power were connected in ancient societies.

Where else these words appear

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.
  • Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.

“he” Hebrew H7069 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
  • Ruth 4:4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
  • Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

“portion” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:26 And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth part; except the land of the priests only, which became not Pharaoh's.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.